2018 NBA Playoffs Preview

Eastern Conference

1. Toronto Raptors vs. 8. Washington Wizards

Players to Watch: G DeMar DeRozan and G Bradley Beal

Who Wins: Raptors in 6 games

2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Milwaukee Bucks

Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and F Giannis Antetokounmpo

Who Wins: Celtics in 7 games

3. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 6. Miami Heat

Players to Watch: F Ben Simmons and C Hassan Whiteside

Who Wins: 76ers in 6 games

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Indiana Pacers

Players to Watch: F Kevin Love and G Victor Oladipo

Who Wins: Cavaliers in 7 games

Western Conference

1. Houston Rockets vs. 8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Players to Watch: G Chris Paul and C Karl-Anthony Towns

Who Wins: Rockets in 6 games

2. Golden State Warriors vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs

Players to Watch: F Kevin Durant and G Dejounte Murray

Who Wins: Warriors in 5 games

3. Portland Trail Blazers vs. 6. New Orleans Pelicans

Players to Watch: C Jusuf Nurkic and G Rajon Rondo

Who Wins: Trail Blazers in 6 games

4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 5. Utah Jazz

Players to Watch: G Russell Westbrook and G Donovan Mitchell

Who Wins: Thunder in 6 games

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Kawhi Leonard – Spurs

Rookie – Ben Simmons – 76ers

Coach – Tom Thibodeau – Timberwolves

Defensive Player – Kawhi Leonard – Spurs

Most Improved – Blake Griffin – Clippers

Sixth Man – Lou Williams – Clippers

Executive – Sam Presti – Thunder Continue reading →

Southwest Division

1. San Antonio Spurs

There wasn’t any splashy moves, but their depth is what will help them stay as contenders.

2. Houston Rockets

Getting Chris Paul could put them into the top tier of the conference.

3. New Orleans Pelicans

A full season with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins should have them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

The conference has gotten tougher for them to sneak into a low playoff seed.

5. Dallas Mavericks

There is some excitement surrounding their lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr. and what the future holds for this franchise. Continue reading →

NBA Finals and Award Projections

* – indicates playoffs

MVP – Russell Westbrook – Thunder

Rookie – Buddy Hield – Pelicans

Coach – Alvin Gentry – Pelicans

Defensive Player – DeAndre Jordan – Clippers

Most Improved – D’Angelo Russell – Lakers

Sixth Man – Brandon Knight – Suns

Executive – Danny Ainge – Celtics Continue reading →

Southwest Division

1. San Antonio Spurs

They are still a deep, talented roster and remain among the best in the conference.

2. New Orleans Pelicans

A healthy Anthony Davis can make all the difference for them being a playoff team.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

While they are getting a little older, they are a tough team to keep down.

4. Dallas Mavericks

Adding Harrison Barnes could be seen as a risk, but he is far too talented to not help them.

5. Houston Rockets

This will be an interesting experiment with James Harden running the show. Continue reading →